America's Cup: Team New Zealand one win away from capturing Cup after race postponed

Updated
Thu 19 Sep 2013, 8:34 AM AEST

Photo

Kiwi triumph ... Oracle Team USA (R) and Emirates Team New Zealand race across San Francisco Bay during race 11

AFP: Noah Berger

Emirates Team New Zealand has moved to the brink of capturing the America's Cup with an eighth race victory in San Francisco before the potential clinching race was postponed by high winds.

The New Zealand yacht needs to beat defending champion Oracle Team USA just once more to claim the coveted trophy, with the next two races scheduled for Friday (AEST).

New Zealand's victory by 15 seconds in race 11 continued the humbling of billionaire yachtsman Larry Ellison and the team he is counting on to keep possession of the Cup.

New Zealand beat the Americans across the start and established a slight lead that lasted into the pivotal upwind third leg, where the rivals engaged in an intense tacking duel during which the Kiwis managed to fend off the hosts.

Oracle split the race at the third gate and opted for the opposite side of the course, closing the gap but eventually being cut off by New Zealand on its way to victory.

It was New Zealand's eight triumph in the best-of-17 series, putting them one win shy of the trophy while Oracle, penalised two points before the start for pre-regatta violations, must win eight times in a row to deny the Kiwis the Cup.